MILK DISPENSING MACHINES

Milk dispensing machines create opportunities for producers to sell milk at a retail price to customers on a self-service basis, reducing the time, costs and waste of bottling. They allow for unstaffed set-ups and create opportunities to add fresh milk to markets, CSA collection points or other shops. If a community has a central hub such as a school, pub, shop or community centre, a milk dispensing machine can go some way to replacing milk delivery rounds with a quicker and easier centralised drop-off. Depending on the model, milk-dispensing machines accommodate between 100 and 400 litres. The machines can be stored indoors or in a sheltered spot outdoors, they maintain the milk at the correct temperature and regularly agitate it. Machines vary, but depending on the model, customers can pay for milk by token, coins, bank notes and/or contactless card.

There are a range of models and service options from a number of companies in the UK and Europe, prices upwards of £5,000 + VAT. One retailer of the machines estimates a two-year pay-back period which will obviously depend on the initial investment and volume of sales.

It’s advised to contact Environmental Health and to check your insurance. Anyone involved in cleaning the vending machine will need to have a food hygiene certificate, which can be obtained online for about £20.

Most milk sold direct from the farm is unpasteurised ‘raw milk’ and there is considerable demand for it. However, there are specific rules governing the sale of raw milk and it is illegal to sell in Scotland. More information can be found by following the this link: www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/raw-drinking-milk

Advantages

 * Allows milk to be more accessible to customers and increases sales.
 * No delivery rounds.
 * Milk sells at its retail price.
 * Customers can bring their own bottles, reducing packaging time and materials.

Disadvantages

 * Reduces customer contact, unless alongside market stall or shop.
 * Requires an initial large investment.
 * Machine needs to be regularly cleaned and needs to be maintained.